The Banks Family with former New York Giants, Jets, and Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver, Plaxico Burress at the 16th annual Bubba Bowl in 2024. (Photo from the Banks Family)

NORWICH – The 17th annual Bubba Bowl, hosted by the Owen Banks Memorial Fund, will take place Sunday, July 13, at the Canasawacta Country Club in Norwich.

The event begins at 10 a.m. and brings together fans of football and golf to support a meaningful cause. This year’s tournament will feature former New York Giants players Ahmad Bradshaw and Hakeem Nicks, who will meet guests during the post-golf dinner portion of the day.

Created in memory of Owen Banks, the firstborn son of Kelly and Brian Banks, the Bubba Bowl honors a life gone too soon. Owen passed away unexpectedly in 2008, months following his first birthday. At the time, the couple's daughter Helena was just two years old. Today, Helena is 20 and the Banks’ youngest Xander is 14. Owen would have turned 18 this August and would have just graduated from high school.

To preserve Owen’s memory and help others, the Banks family created the Owen Banks Memorial Fund and launched a flag football tournament in their hometown of Walton. After 10 years, the event transitioned to a golf outing, first held at the Oneonta Country Club before moving to Canasawacta this year.

“Our mission hasn’t changed,” Kelly Banks said. “We raise money to help others and keep Owen’s memory alive. We try to give back to those who need it.”

The Bubba Bowl offers two ticket options. For $175, guests receive 18 holes of golf, dinner, a meet-and-greet with the NFL players, a Q&A session, a photo opportunity, and one 8x10 autograph. A dinner-only package is available for $125 and includes dinner, meet-and-greet, photo opportunities, autograph, and access to the Q&A session with the players. Dinner will begin at approximately 2:30 p.m.

Two exclusive teams will also be playing golf with Ahmad Bradshaw as well, which Banks said is all filled at this time and should be a sight to see.

Alongside the main event, the Memorial Fund awards scholarships each year to graduating seniors. This year, the scholarship went to UV seniors Emma Bonacci and Cooper Hine.

At the dinner, there will also be a silent auction featuring high-end sports memorabilia as well as a basket auction with donations from local businesses.

“There’s no set cause every year,” Kelly said. “We do Super Bowl squares, ticket giveaways, Christmas stockings and other auctions throughout the year—whatever we can do to support people and raise more money to give back.”

Kelly Banks, who owns Kelly Banks Cakes in New Berlin, has built lasting friendships with several NFL players, including Michael Strahan. Her cake business gained national attention after attending Live with Kelly and Michael, and she now bakes birthday cakes annually for Strahan and others. These relationships have played a big part in bringing players to the Bubba Bowl.

“We always get new people every year,” Kelly said. “Some are Giants fans, some are golfers, and some just want to support a good cause. There’s no maximum number of teams, so we’re still accepting registrations, hole sponsors, and donations.”

For tickets, sponsorships, or more information, contact Kelly Banks at 607-372-5267. Donations can also be made through Venmo (@OwenBanksMemorialFund), PayPal using the email Bubbabowl2009@yahoo.com (Friends & Family option), or Cash App ($owenbanksfund).